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Mike Nock |
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Mike Nock Trio |
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"This is ensemble playing of real distinction ..." Since his first recordings with the THREE-OUT TRIO in 1960-61, Pianist/composer Mike Nock has remained at the forefront of Australasian Jazz, continuing to attract critical acclaim and delight audiences worldwide. His extensive background in a variety of genres with many of the world's top musicians ( from Johnny O'Keefe to Dionne Warwick, Lionel Hampton, Michael Brecker etc., ) give his live performances a rarely heard breadth and depth. Returning to Australia in 1985 after 25 years in the USA, Mike is now recognised as one of the greats of Australian Jazz. He has returned to his original trio format several times in his lengthy career to record some outstanding examples of the genre. ( ONDAS, NOT WE BUT ONE, BEAUTIFUL FRIENDSHIP, BETWEEN or BEYOND, CHANGING SEASONS )
The current Mike Nock Trio embraces the past as it looks to the future, building on the tradition established since Mike's 1985 return to Australia, of introducing some of the country's most exciting young jazz talents to a wider audience. Bassist/composer Mike Majkowski and drummer James Waples are not yet 25 years of age yet both already share an exceptional musical maturity and rapport, showing the high level of talent emerging in Australia today. Since their debut as the Mike Nock Trio on Jan 1st, 2006 they have racked-up a 12 concert national tour ( Sept 06 ) performed in concert with top US saxophonist Bob Mintzer along with their continuing Sydney appearances at SIMA and Jazzgroove. "Nock led his trio through a soulful and engaging set. He clearly relished the responsiveness of his young colleagues while his own playing and writing exuded a powerfully positive spirit." Jessica Nicholas THE AGE, Monday Nov 5, 2007 ( review of Wangaratta Jazz Festival ) "This is a trio that clearly enjoys each others company and shares a deep musical intimacy. You can almost feel them listening to each other. Their responsiveness extends to the most subtle of interactions. Its like they share a fused musical brain. I found the effect extraordinary, and one that is decidedly rare. I struggle to recall a similar trio experience." Brendon Holmes - Canberra Jazz Blog - Sept 25th, 2007. http://canberrajazz.blogspot.com/2007/09/two-bars-to-treat.html "It was apparent even before the opening number had ended that bassist Majkowski and drummer Waples, who are in their early twenties, share a remarkable rapport with the Trio's leader, despite a substantial difference in age and experience." Tony Hillier, THE GATE, Cairns Sept 28th, 2006. "Majkowski and Waples worked splendidly as a rhythm section, meshing neatly with the piano and both had ample solo opportunities to display their considerable abilities. A crucial requirement for any trio is to develop such a level of integration that three think and play as one; at the same time, each should be able to solo well within context. It was especially satisfying here to see these capabilities spread across two generations." John McBeath, The AUSTRALIAN, Sept 22nd, 2006 Mike Majkowski bio :: James Waples bio"..a well rounded pianism that draws from a multiplicity of sources, a writing style that combines powerful lyricism with abstract impressionism and a reverential but still distinctive sense of tradition demonstrates why Nock is one of Jazz's best kept secrets" ...All About Jazz, April 24, 2006. Website:www.allaboutjazz.com Reviews for 'Changing Seasons'
"There are some musicians that one returns to repeatedly, as antidotes to the brutal gimmickiness of so much of the aural environment. One such is Mike Nock, who, whenever I listen to his work always and unexpectedly surpasses the anticipation. There is no mystery why this is so, Nock is the most musical pianist currently working in the jazz field. This is ensemble playing of real distinction... but ultimately it is Nock's superlative musicianship that animates the material, and inspires his collaborators. I love this album. You will too." - Chris Dench, Music Forum, June 2003 "They play with an intensity which, while compelling, does not distract from one's wonder at how simple they make the complex seem. It is a session that after hours of listening still offers previously missed revelations, nuances and reflections." - Michael Foster, Canberra Times, March 10, 2003 "Leading a strong, flexible trio, with bassist Brett Hirst and drummer Toby Hall, he brings the Nock intensity and invention to bear on surging, rustling, hustling rhythms as well as some remarkable impressionistic and meditative pieces." - John Clare, Sydney Morning Herald, Feb 22, 2003 "Real Jazz with quality, that can knock-out the rock generation. Four 1/2 Stars!" - Swing Journal (Japan) Dec 2002 more information > |
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Last Updated: Nov 5th, 2007 - 22:10:36